Kickstarter-Funded MMO on Steam Fails Just Two Months Post-Launch Amid Developer Resignations

Ashes of Creation is living up to its name in a rather tumultuous way. This fantasy MMORPG launched into Early Access on Steam on December 11, but just a couple of months later, its future hangs in the balance due to staff departures and reported layoffs. Developed by Intrepid Studios, the game raised over $3.2 million on Kickstarter back in 2017. Now, the game’s director claims that control of the company has been taken from him, with those in charge allegedly pursuing unethical actions.

In a statement on Discord, director Steven Sharif expressed his concerns on January 31. “Control of the company shifted away from me, and the Board began directing actions that I could not ethically agree with or carry out. As a result, I chose to resign in protest rather than lend my name or authority to decisions I could not ethically support.”

While Sharif didn’t specify the board’s actions, he noted that other senior staff members resigned alongside him, and the company is reportedly facing significant layoffs. Intrepid, based in San Diego, California, is required to provide notice before layoffs, but the state’s database hasn’t yet reflected any updates for the studio. Reports of the chaos have been corroborated by another former employee.

Studio communications director Margaret Krohn recently announced on LinkedIn that she has also left the company. “I gave everything I had, and did my very best with what was within my power,” she wrote. “And I ask one last favor of you, please be kind to the developers; we are people who have families who have just lost our jobs after pouring our hearts and souls into Ashes of Creation.” She added, “As for how this all ended…I don’t really have the words. It wasn’t what I expected. But I’m holding onto the good because there was so much of it.”

Originally pitched in 2017 as a faction-based MMO that would avoid pay-to-win mechanics, backers who contributed millions have been waiting nearly a decade for the game’s launch. Although it finally entered Steam Early Access in December, some backers argue that this doesn’t equate to a full 1.0 release and are seeking refunds. “Early bird backer,” one user commented. “Extremely disappointed with the behavior of this company. And yes, I will be pursuing a refund.” Another added, “Refund my $500 please.”

Concerns about funding have shadowed the game’s development since its Kickstarter days. Sharif previously indicated that he was the primary financial backer and that Ashes of Creation would require $30 million to fulfill its promises. He dismissed claims that it was merely a “vanity project” led by an inexperienced wealthy individual. “First and foremost, I am an MMORPG gamer,” he stated at the time. “I have been since I first sat down at a computer. I had the fortunate circumstance in life to become wealthy through hard work at a young age. A couple of years ago, I got very fed up with what was happening to a genre that I love. So I decided to put my money where my heart is and do something about it.”

Now, early players are growing increasingly frustrated with Ashes of Creation. The Discord community is in a state of panic, and Steam users have begun review-bombing the game. The user rating has plummeted to an “overwhelmingly negative” 30 percent, with players predicting the MMO’s imminent cancellation. “Since Ashes of Creation will be shutting down soon, purchasing the game right now might be a bad idea,” one recent Steam review warned. However, Intrepid has yet to clarify its current plans. Just last week, the studio promised a developer update on February 13 to address ongoing complaints regarding the game’s major design and performance issues.

“We know that some of you are frustrated right now. We feel that. You’ve been candid about the issues impacting your experience, and you deserve clarity and honesty in return,” a blog post from January 29 stated. “[The game’s setting of] Verra is still growing. We remain deeply committed to making it a world worthy of your time, your stories, and your belief.” The message was signed “The Ashes of Creation Team,” though it’s unclear who that includes at this point.